SARCOPENIA AS A MAJOR PREDICTOR OF UNFAVORABLE REHABILITATION OUTCOMES FOLLOWING SURGICAL TREATMENT OF GASTRIC CANCER

Gastric cancer surgery frequently results in reduced oral intake, gastrointestinal symptoms, weight loss and prolonged functional impairment. Sarcopenia, defined by impaired muscle strength and low muscle quantity or quality, may be present before surgery and may worsen during the perioperative period. Low muscle mass alone on computed tomography should not automatically be equated with confirmed sarcopenia; muscle strength and relevant diagnostic criteria should also be considered. Because body mass index may conceal skeletal muscle depletion, structured preoperative assessment could improve rehabilitation planning.